Shab-e-Qadr observed across J&K

Soon after breaking fast Monday evening, mosques and shrines across Jammu and Kashmir reverberated with recitation of the Quran as the Muslim devotees thronged various places of worship to offer nightlong prayers, observed in the Muslim world as Shab-e Qadr (the night of power and blessing) with religious fervor.

Muslims offered prayers in local and central Masjids and shrines across the Valley. The night is being observed on every 27th night of Ramadhan.

The biggest congregation was held at Hazratbal Shrine where thousands of people joined special prayers during the night and also listened to sermons on teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Ulema and religious scholars in their sermons highlighted the teachings of Islam and various aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and urged Muslims to follow the same.

First verses of the holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during this night. It is one of the nights of the last ten days of Ramadan — blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant, sins are forgiven, supplications are accepted and the angels also descend to earth.

“This night is better than the thousand nights. However, because of the revealed importance of this night, Muslims strive harder in the last ten days of Ramadhan since the Shab-e-Qadr could be one of the odd-numbered days in these last ten,” said Abid Gul of Habba Kadal who offer nightlong prayers in all odd numbered days during last ten days of Ramdhan.

A group of devotees said that they sought blessings and mercy from Allah and prayed for eternal peace to departed souls of Muslims who have passed away.

The congregational nightlong prayers were also held at all mosques and shrines in Srinagar including Masjid Jamiat-e-Ahlehadith Gawkadal; Asar-e-Sharif Janab Sahib Soura; Asar-e-Sharif Shehri Kalashpora; Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahib (RA), Khanqah-e-Maula and other Masajid and Shrines.

In South Kashmir, congregational nightlong prayers were held at Jamia Masjid Hanfia, Jamia Masjid Ahlihadith, Bait-ul-Muqaram and Rehat-Ded Masjid in Islamabad (Anantnag) town. Nightlong prayers were also offered in Ziarat-e-Sharief Khiram; Kund, Aishmuqam and Bijbehara areas of the district.

In Kulgam, the biggest nightlong prayer gathering was seen in Jamia Masjid. Large congregational prayer gathering was also witnessed in Khankah Tral, Jamia Masjid Shopian and Jamia Masjid Pulwama.

Thousands of Muslims also offered nightlong prayers in all other districts of the state. Similar reports were received from Jammu and Leh.

Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has felicitated people of the State on the occasions of Shab-e-Qadr.

In her message, the Chief Minister appealed people to pray wholeheartedly during this night for peace, prosperity and brotherhood in the State.

She said the blessed night, during which the Holy Quran was revealed, is an occasion for introspection and seeking Allah’s forgiveness, generosity and guidance.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah extended their greetings and felicitations to the people on the auspicious occasion.

Praying for peace and prosperity in the State, the Abdullahs urged people to seek Allah’s forgiveness while praying for peace for the state.

J&K Pradesh Congress Committee president GA Mir felicitated people on Shab-e-Qadar, observed Monday night, hoping that the occasion will be the harbinger of complete peace, tranquility development in the State and prosperity of the people.

Minister for Animal Sheep and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli has greeted people of the State, on occasion of Shab-e-Qadr.

Extending warm greetings to the people, the minister hoped that the auspicious occasion will prove a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity for the State and its people.